During the regularly scheduled meeting of the Baxley City Council, held on July 26, council members discussed the airport hanger and operations. City Manager Jeff Baxley stated he had been approached by Robbie Gardner who desires to enter into a rental/lease agreement with the city for the use of the large blue and gray hangar at the airport that the city owns.

Gardner would be operating an agriculture operation (crop dusting). The manager also added that he does not use dry chemicals, which would not be allowed in hangars.

Robert Ellison has left the position as airplane mechanic. The manager stated that the city always tried to have a mechanic at the airport. He also stated that there have been a number of airplane mechanics that have had to close shop due to no work at other airports around.

Mayor Rigdon stated that this might be an opportunity to get a new business and keep one business already located at the airport. He also added if they decided to do this they should make the term of lease one-year in case the economy turns around and requires something to be put on the floor of the hangar so chemicals won’t penetrate the concrete. After discussion, Mayor Rigdon asked the city manager and city attorney to proceed with discussions with Gardner.
New business

The council approved the low bid of $58,400.00 from Underground Excavating of Patterson, for the jack and bore project on Highway 341 West. The manager stated this project would provide sewer and water on the Southside of Highway 341. He also informed the council that the project will start as soon as possible and would involve some easements.

City manager report

-The manager announced the bids on the old vehicles/equipment would be opened at 10:00 a.m. on July 26.

-Jeff Baxley announced that a public hearing for the proposed changes to the redistricting/ city voting districts would be held August 11 at 6:00 p.m. at city hall. He added that copies of the proposed map can be viewed at city hall during normal business hours or can be viewed on the city’s website at http: www.baxley.org. Baxley reported the work is also ongoing on updating the annexation map and reminded everyone that the proposed redistricting map will be advertised in the newspaper for three weeks and a public hearing will be held Aug. 11. He added that when and if adopted qualifying would be based on this proposed map.

-The manager reported that he, the mayor and Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Esco Hall attended a meeting that was held for the purpose of discussing statewide redistricting on Friday, July 22 with Chairman of the State Redistricting/Reapportionment Committee Representative Roger Lane and Rep. Tommy Smith.

-The manager announced that the fountain is down at city hall. A part for the fountain has been ordered and hopes to get it in operation soon.

-He stated the budget process is ongoing.

Mayor Rigdon expressed his appreciation for everyone going to Atlanta and the cooperation from everyone concerning the redrawing of lines for redistricting. There was no further business and the mayor declared the meeting adjourned.

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